Land Donation Provides for KPD Kennel, Dog Park

Communications Director

Land Donation Provides for KPD Kennel, Dog Park

The Wood Family presented the City of Knoxville with four acres of land today to provide a new location for the Knoxville Police Department's K-9 Kennel as well as property for a public dog park.

Mayor Madeline Rogero accepted the generous gift from the Wood Family during a press event with KPD Chief David Rausch and the Legacy Parks Foundation.

Left: Chief Rausch discusses the new KPD Kennel. Right: A member of the Wood family unveils the proposed design of the KPD Kennel and Dog Park location.

The Wood Family donated the property across from the Public Safety Building on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue. The park will be adjacent to the kennel, but the two facilities will be separate.

"We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Wood Family and their commitment to our community," said Mayor Rogero. "Their contribution will provide much-needed facilities for our K-9 unit and create a park where pet owners can allow their dogs to be active and socialize. This addition is a step closer to making us one of the most dog-friendly communities in the country."

"Our family is delighted to make this donation and help the Knoxville Police Department house these exceptional dogs who work to serve and protect us," said Kim Wood McClamroch, representing the Wood Family. "It's also rewarding to provide land for another dog park for our growing downtown dog population and the surrounding neighborhoods."

The property is being donated to Legacy Parks Foundation, which will work with the City to develop both projects. This donation follows the Wood Family's gift of nearly 100 acres off Sevierville Pike in August as part of the Urban Wilderness Corridor.

KPD's current kennel is located off Prosser Road but does not have adequate space for the department's 16 working dogs. Plans were underway to rebuild a new kennel in that location, but it was later discovered the location would be unsuitable because caverns and a landfill were found underneath.

The proposed new kennel is part of an ongoing capital project with a cost of $2.5 million. The 8,175-square-foot facility includes a boarding area and administrative building. The design also features an outdoor training area and agility course. Its proximity to the Safety Building will allow handlers quick access to the dogs.